New Delhi । India is set to acquire retired Jaguar strike aircraft from Oman in a move aimed at sustaining the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ageing Jaguar fleet, underscoring both the aircraft’s continued operational relevance and the challenges posed by delays in fighter aircraft modernisation.
India is currently the only country in the world operating the Anglo-French SEPECAT Jaguar strike aircraft. Oman, which retired its Jaguar fleet in 2014, has reportedly reached an understanding with India to transfer an undisclosed number of its decommissioned jets. However, these aircraft will not be inducted into active service; instead, they will be dismantled in Oman and shipped to India for use as spare parts.
According to defence reports, Oman’s Royal Air Force (RAFO) originally operated 27 Jaguar aircraft, including 20 single-seat and five twin-seat variants, along with two former British Royal Air Force jets. At least 13 of these aircraft were lost in accidents over the years, leaving a maximum of around 14 airframes potentially available. Additional usable components may also be sourced from aircraft earlier declared unserviceable.
The Indian Air Force inducted the Jaguar in 1979 after selecting it as its Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft (DPSA). Initially, 18 aircraft were sourced from the UK as an interim measure, followed by 40 flyaway aircraft from British Aerospace. Subsequently, around 128 Jaguars were license-produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under a technology transfer agreement.
With global production of Jaguar aircraft and engines having ceased decades ago, sourcing spares has become increasingly difficult. To address this, India sought assistance from France in 2018–19. France, which retired its Jaguars in 2005, provided 31 complete airframes and several critical components, with India bearing only transportation costs.
Currently, the IAF operates six Jaguar squadrons, each comprising 18–20 aircraft. However, the fleet has been steadily shrinking due to age-related issues and accidents, with three Jaguar aircraft lost this year alone. The last Jaguar manufactured in India rolled out of HAL’s production line in 2008, after which the availability of engines and key components became more complex.
Defence experts say the acquisition of Oman’s Jaguars reflects India’s effort to extend the operational life of a proven strike platform, even as it highlights the urgent need to accelerate the induction of new-generation fighter aircraft to address declining squadron strength.